A Curious Mask

XI- Safe

Rianna didn't let on that she knew Finch was a wister as they made their way to the closest port and handed Greed, Fear, Lust's eye, and a letter from Sir Finch to the king over to the port authorities, who would in turn transport the wisters to the capital.

Once topside, in the city of Benglsh, Ri squinted in the bright light she was now unaccustomed to. She followed Sir Finch to a stable, noting crowds and alleys and escape routes on her way. He didn't seem to be paying any attention to her.

He entered the stables and held the business door open for her. She glared at him. "I'm a boy, remember?"

He quirked an eyebrow. "You're a runaway, remember?"

She sighed and went in the door. A short, thin man appeared from amongst the rows of tack.

"Ello, sirs! What kin I do ya fer?"

"I would like to buy two head and tack for both." Sir Finch said, taking out his symbol.

The man smiled brightly. "Of course, Sir Wanderer! Come, come!"

Ri resignedly followed the knight around as he made his purchases, every now and then looking back at her. So she wasn't going to get away here, but he was getting her a horse. She'd make sure he regretted that... Once she learned how to actually ride it.

He pulled himself up onto his horse with ease and looked to Ri, who still held her horse's reins and was trying to figure everything out. Sir Finch went back down and over to her.

"Have you never seen a horse before?"

She shot a glare at his amused face and curious emotion. "I have! I've simply never ridden one before."

"Well, you're holding the reins, which is connected to the bridal around his head. The bit in his mouth guides him, so you use the reins to move the bit to control the horse. But I'll show you that in a minute."

He touched what he was talking about as he spoke, petting the creature with his other hand. His wister thoughts were in their "normal" molds, so she couldn't see what he was thinking as he continued to show her everything about a horse's tack and how to use it. She listened to his words instead and scrutinized his behavior.

He smiled easily. His eyes expressed each emotion along with the rest of his face. When he chuckled, he seemed genuinely merry, though when she looked at him she knew all he was feeling was curiosity. Curiouser and curiouser. His act was admirable, to say the least; if it wasn't for her mind reading ability, she would have no doubt whatsoever that he was completely normal, even if he did take down three wisters.

Finally, he declared her ready enough to actually start riding, so she got on and stared at him. He stared back.

"What?" she demanded.

"Well, my sole responsibility right now is to take care of you, so where do you want to go?"

"Umm... Aren't you a wandering knight? Don't you have a lot more to do?"

"Nope. It's a complex process that I cannot disclose to peasants, so I'll tell you when we are on the road."

She looked confused. "But... I'm a peasant."

"So, you really don't think King Reyferd Morden is your father?"

She sighed, "He is."

"Tap your heels against his side to make him go."

Ri did as told, but she kicked him too hard, sending him off into a quick trot.

The horse threw his head and pranced about as Rianna tried to stop him, and Sir Finch chuckled as he hurried to jump on his horse to catch her and her horse. After that was all sorted out and Ri and her horse were understanding each other, everything settled into an odd silence.